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Rays put pink bats to good use

Rays put pink bats to good use

BALTIMORE -- Pink power went the Rays' way Sunday afternoon, particularly in the early going when Rays hitters using pink bats fared better than those who did not.

Seven of the first nine Rays using pink bats reached base via a hit or a walk, while the first five not using a pink bat made an out.

Rays players, coaches and the manager Joe Maddon all fully embraced Major League Baseball's Mother's Day initiative that brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer.

"That's the most important part of it, just raising awareness," Carlos Pena said. "It's cool that most everyone participates. It's great because things like that are more important than the game we play. I think we have a platform we're using the right way. I like and I respect it. I appreciate that."

Luke Scott added: "The cause is great to help fight against breast cancer. I think it's cool. It's always good to honor moms. I've been blessed to have a wonderful mom. It's just a day to sit back and appreciate."

In addition to players using pink bats, most wore pink sweatbands and some wore pink shoes and generally seemed to have a good time with it.

"It's kind of cool [using a pink bat]," Pena said. "Some guys wanted to use the pink bat [Friday]. Their excuse was, 'It's Mother's Day weekend.' Some guys like the pink bat. I was like every day should be Mother's Day because mothers are so special, right? So we should be able to use a pink bat every day, because every day should be Mother's day."